Pakistan Enforces New Business Hours Amid Energy Crisis
Revised Business Hours in Islamabad
The government of Pakistan has reinstated updated operating hours for businesses in Islamabad, requiring them to close by 8 PM starting Monday. This decision is part of the government's austerity initiatives in response to increasing energy supply challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon announced the new regulations via social media, stating that the revised hours will be enforced throughout the week. According to the announcement, markets, shops, and shopping malls must shut down by 8:00 PM, while restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and other food establishments can remain open until 10:00 PM.
Additionally, marriage halls, marquees, and other event venues are also required to close by 10:00 PM. Essential services such as pharmacies, hospitals, petrol stations, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centers, and IT companies catering to international clients are exempt from these restrictions.
These new regulations extend to events held on private properties as well. The Deputy Commissioner's announcement followed a late-night directive from the district magistrate of the Islamabad Capital Territory regarding the updated business hours.
The earlier restrictive hours were first implemented in March after a US attack on Iran led to a spike in fuel prices, prompting the Pakistani government to adopt austerity measures, including the early closure of shops to conserve electricity. Initially, business owners complied but later requested more flexible hours ahead of the Eid festival, which was celebrated on May 27. In response, both federal and provincial governments permitted extended hours to accommodate shoppers and merchants.
However, the federal government has reverted to the previous closing time, with provincial governments likely to follow suit. Business owners typically resist early closures since most markets open around midday and operate late into the night. The government aims to optimize business hours to encourage daytime operations, utilizing natural light instead of costly electricity for nighttime activities.